DAAD award winner: "A dream came true"

Foreign students enrich the university community culturally and academically – this becomes particularly clear once a year: when the prize of the Deutsche Akademische Austauschdienst (DAAD) is awarded. This year it goes to Swati Prakash Dubey from India.

Swati Prakash Dubey realized years ago that finance has an influence on all economic processes. But most people in India's rural areas have little access to financial knowledge. Dubey worked for India's largest bank after completing her bachelor's degree, advising private and corporate clients on loans. At some point, she wanted to deepen her knowledge. So she applied for a place on the international Master's programme Financial Management at Coburg University of Applied Sciences. She was accepted – and has now recieved the DAAD prize here.

"The market square, the Veste: Coburg offers so much culture and history, creativity - even though it is a small town. When I go out on the street in India, everything is crowded. I like that it's not so chaotic here. And the university is great. It's an inspiring place," the 35-year-old explains. "Studying here was one of my dreams." Dubey is currently doing an internship in controlling, but would also like to go into project management or try her hand at financial management. "With all the support and knowledge I'm getting in my Master's programme here in Coburg, I'm pretty sure I'll be able to build a successful career in finance."

Prof. Dr. Victor Randall, programme director in the MBA Financial Management, said at the award ceremony that he had found Dubey to be a extraordinary motivated student. But she is also extraordinary committed interculturally and socially. She supports the Master's Office and provides information and advice to prospective students, applicants and fellow students. "The DAAD Award recognizes not only academic excellence, but also exemplary behaviour," said Christian Erkenbrecher, Head of the International Office at Coburg University of Applied Sciences. Dubey replied that she was very encouraged by the award: "It shows me that I'm on the right track - and it motivates me to keep pursuing my dreams."